transmission malfunction
10-17-2013 | 11:58 AM
#1
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: bay area
My Ride: bmw
transmission malfunction
Hello All,
A few days ago I got a transmission malfunction error on my i-drive. I took it to the dealer and they said I need it replaced!
My questions, a indy shop said they can rebuild it for have the price with 2 year warranty. Is it worth doing it? Downside to rebuilding?
thanks
A few days ago I got a transmission malfunction error on my i-drive. I took it to the dealer and they said I need it replaced!
My questions, a indy shop said they can rebuild it for have the price with 2 year warranty. Is it worth doing it? Downside to rebuilding?
thanks
10-17-2013 | 05:27 PM
#5
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
My Ride: 2006 BMW 550i
has the fluid ever been changed? autos operate hydralicaly, and use the fluid to compress the pistons that engage all the clutch packs, for each gear.
10-17-2013 | 07:40 PM
#7
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 663
Likes: 2
From: AZ-USA
95% of BMW dealers are totally clueless when it comes to transmissions. All they know is the mantra "replace it".
If you haven't already, do a second drain and fill to get up to about 85% new fluid (I assume you are using ZF Lifeguard fluid or a listed 11B equivalent - this is very important).
Unless you have huge miles on the transmission, most slipping is either the wrong fluid, fluid level or fluid flow restriction related.
After a second drain and fill have the transmission adaption reprogrammed and see where you are at. Unless you have serious wear on disk packs solenoid adaption reprogramming might correct your problem.
If a local shop quotes a rebuild that is usually a mechatronic unit swap out, or maybe even just solenoid swaps. That is fine, but make sure their price is a fraction of a rebuilt unit. Relatively few indies have the equipment or know-how to do a competent job on a full overhaul of the ZF trans. Make sure to ask about their warranty.
If you haven't already, do a second drain and fill to get up to about 85% new fluid (I assume you are using ZF Lifeguard fluid or a listed 11B equivalent - this is very important).
Unless you have huge miles on the transmission, most slipping is either the wrong fluid, fluid level or fluid flow restriction related.
After a second drain and fill have the transmission adaption reprogrammed and see where you are at. Unless you have serious wear on disk packs solenoid adaption reprogramming might correct your problem.
If a local shop quotes a rebuild that is usually a mechatronic unit swap out, or maybe even just solenoid swaps. That is fine, but make sure their price is a fraction of a rebuilt unit. Relatively few indies have the equipment or know-how to do a competent job on a full overhaul of the ZF trans. Make sure to ask about their warranty.
10-18-2013 | 11:04 AM
#8
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: bay area
My Ride: bmw
95% of BMW dealers are totally clueless when it comes to transmissions. All they know is the mantra "replace it".
If you haven't already, do a second drain and fill to get up to about 85% new fluid (I assume you are using ZF Lifeguard fluid or a listed 11B equivalent - this is very important).
Unless you have huge miles on the transmission, most slipping is either the wrong fluid, fluid level or fluid flow restriction related.
After a second drain and fill have the transmission adaption reprogrammed and see where you are at. Unless you have serious wear on disk packs solenoid adaption reprogramming might correct your problem.
If a local shop quotes a rebuild that is usually a mechatronic unit swap out, or maybe even just solenoid swaps. That is fine, but make sure their price is a fraction of a rebuilt unit. Relatively few indies have the equipment or know-how to do a competent job on a full overhaul of the ZF trans. Make sure to ask about their warranty.
If you haven't already, do a second drain and fill to get up to about 85% new fluid (I assume you are using ZF Lifeguard fluid or a listed 11B equivalent - this is very important).
Unless you have huge miles on the transmission, most slipping is either the wrong fluid, fluid level or fluid flow restriction related.
After a second drain and fill have the transmission adaption reprogrammed and see where you are at. Unless you have serious wear on disk packs solenoid adaption reprogramming might correct your problem.
If a local shop quotes a rebuild that is usually a mechatronic unit swap out, or maybe even just solenoid swaps. That is fine, but make sure their price is a fraction of a rebuilt unit. Relatively few indies have the equipment or know-how to do a competent job on a full overhaul of the ZF trans. Make sure to ask about their warranty.
10-19-2013 | 03:33 PM
#9
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 196
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From: Raleigh, NC
My Ride: 98' 528i Manual07' 550i Sport
Hey just an FYI, i am currently rebuilding mine. I have never done it before and it inst too bad. I have the ZF repair document and you can rent the compressor tool from bimmertoolrental.com. I had to run to a local shop because the tailshaft nut is a odd socket. But they did it for free. So a very doable rebuild.
10-19-2013 | 05:22 PM
#10
Senior Members
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
My Ride: 2006 BMW 550i
Hey just an FYI, i am currently rebuilding mine. I have never done it before and it inst too bad. I have the ZF repair document and you can rent the compressor tool from bimmertoolrental.com. I had to run to a local shop because the tailshaft nut is a odd socket. But they did it for free. So a very doable rebuild.
what have you found to be worn out in your trans? got any pics of the internals?